Organisers of the IAAF Bronze Label Okpekpe International 10-km Road Race have announced that there will be live bands at the finish area to entertain participants on Saturday May 7, when the fourth edition of the race holds in Okpekpe in Edo state.
Spokesman for the race, Dare Esan, said yesterday that a carnival-like atmosphere will be created both at the start and at the finish with live bands and a selection of other activities at the finish area throughout the day.
“There will also be food and beverages for participants and spectators because the Okpekpe International 10-km road Race is much more than an athletic event.
As the only race on the continent holding the IAAF Bronze Label status, we believe the prestige attached to the annual road running festival will continue to have a positive impact on Okpekpe residents,” said Esan who also revealed other benefits the race will bring to the community in particular and Nigeria in general.
“Apart from boosting the local economy, the top-flight race will showcase the town on the international stage, and provide a platform for Nigerians to join hands with runners and spectators from around the world and make new friends.’
“Our athletes will also benefit from the platform we have created to enable them gauge their readiness for the outdoor season especially the long distance runners,” he further noted.
Esan also revealed that adequate medical provisions have been made for participants, both the elite and fun-runners at the race.
“A medical station will be available at the start, along the course and at the finish. There would be provision for well-equipped ambulances that will follow the runners all the way and medics will also be present at every intermediary station. There will be a sweeper bus that will pick athletes that are unable to continue the race,” he said.
Meanwhile, athletes and officials are expected to start arriving as from Thursday, May 5 to begin the screening and accreditation processes.
“Final registration and number pick-up starts on the evening of Friday, May 6 between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Yak Motel located after the Federal Polytechnic in Auchi.
It will resume again on Saturday morning from 6:00 a.m at the race venue until a few minutes before the road race begins at 8 a.m,” added Esan who advised that athletes should collect their running bib in person with proper proof of identity.
